Colleague referred to same therapist

[conflicteddilemma]

Name changed for this one …

I’ve been attending monthly therapy sessions for about 2 years, which I pay for privately. Prior to that I saw the same therapist for about 9m approx 5 years ago during a work- related mental breakdown, and I was referred to the therapist by work Occupational Health. The therapy is important for me to maintain stable mental health in a stressful role.

I found out yesterday that a colleague is being referred by Occ Health to the same therapist. I feel deeply deeply uncomfortable. I’ve messaged the therapist to flag the potential conflict.

I know the therapist is a professional and confidentiality applies but don’t feel able to continue seeing the therapist if he is also seeing the colleague. Am I being stupid to think this?

What conflict are you concerned about?
The therapist can't share patient information and there is no need for your colleague to even know you attend the same one.

It would be the same if you had both independently found the same therapist, or dentist or GP.
Put it out of your mind and continue with your therapy.

I'm sorry this is upsetting for you - you know confidentiality applies, so what exactly do you feel uncomfortable about?

Thanks both. I know that confidentiality applies. I also know that the colleague is likely to talk about me negatively in the sessions and that makes me uncomfortable knowing that the therapist will have that in their mind in my sessions.

How do you know that this colleague has been referred to the same therapist?

I cannot see how it is professionally appropriate for anyone to inform you 1) that X colleague has been referred to therapy and 2) who the therapist is.

The colleague told me.

You’ve alerted the therapist so I presume they will either refer your colleague to someone else or you will have to find someone else if you’re not comfortable.

I’m not sure if there’s a ‘correct’ course of action here, but I suppose it’s not ideal really if the two of you are just going to be talking about each other every month to the same therapist. I would probably want to avoid that if I was facilitating the sessions. Hopefully it goes your way and your colleague gets referred elsewhere!

There can be a conflict for the therapist if the goal of both of your inputs is around work and your relationship. But it's more relevant if for instance the therapist works with one of you in relation to the team's MH and then also with one of you for direct therapy.

From what you've said it sounds like you just don't want your colleague bad mouthing you. The therapist won't be troubled by that at all.

Is your colleague bullying you?

I would discuss this with your therapist. Absolutely right to flag it. See how they respond. If they continue to see your colleague I would look for a new therapist. It is a conflict of interest.